MuSR / Who is the most likely murderer?

question

Who is the most likely murderer?

narrative

In the grim spectacle of the wrestling ring stained with blood, Detective Winston embarks on a chilling manhunt for Serenity's chainsaw-wielding murderer, revolving around two main suspects: Terrance and Nelson.

The incessant beeping of the fax machine grabbed Winston's attention. The autopsy report he had been waiting on arrived. The time of death was the same as the time when a wrestling match was taking place.

Terrance was Winston's main point of interest. A local rancher and sponsor of the wrestling matches, he had been cheering loudly in the crowd during that fatal match. Connecting the dots, Winston knew he had to speak to Terrance.

Approaching the ranch, Winston noticed Terrance ear-deep in a chainsaw, his broad shoulders turning to reveal a modern television flickering in the living room. The news was running in the background, a constant source of information for the socially inept rancher.

"Hiya, detective," Terrance greeted him with a friendly pat. "Anything I can do you for?" 

"Just a few questions," Winston answered. "Heard you were at the wrestling ring during the match." 

"Yep, I was," he said cheerfully. "Half the town was there. Good match."

Winston decided to change the topic. "Nice TV you got there," he said casually, eyeing the flickering screen tuned to the local news.

"Oh yeah, not much for those Internet-fangled gadgets though. I got Cole always telling me to try out social media, but I can't be arsed to," Terrance said, shaking his head with a chuckle. "He even sent me screenshots of how to set up a Facebook account. Can you believe that?"

"That so?" Winston said with a small smile. "Your chainsaw, I heard you've been working on it."

"Well, yeah!" Terrance nodded. "Farm life, you know. Can't go too far without needing a chainsaw. Even took some classes on how to operate it. Can't just wing those things, y'know what I mean?"

Winston didn't respond to his comment immediately, allowing the rancher's words to hang in the air as he mentally noted his next steps in this investigation.

Winston, finally relaxing after a long day, had been reluctantly pulled back into work. An old Art-dealer turned painter named Nelson, rumored to want the land where the wrestling territory lay for his next project, was his next interviewee. Winston was a practical man, but he couldn't deny that Nelson's paintings – mostly featuring wood cut in intricate details – were anything less than art.

"Morning Detective, it's my pleasure to finally meet ya," Nelson greeted him as he entered the studio. 

"Good morning, Nelson," Winston replied, glancing around the room. There in the corner stood a chainsaw, paint splattered and well used. Noticing Winston's gaze, Nelson explained, "I've been practicing with it almost daily."

It was part of an artist’s kit and Nelson voiced the same, "Yes sir, that there helps me with these intricate designs, ya see?"

Winston continued to scan the room, making small conversation, "You use this in all your paintings?" 

"Most of them," Nelson replied, "It gives 'em character."

"I see... and it looks like you've had quite a bit of practice with it," Winston said nonchalantly, earning a nod from Nelson. 

"Oh yes, it's part of the job, you know?" Nelson replied.

During his investigation, Winston caught sight of a miniature wrestling ring and ticket stubs from various wrestling matches. Nelson indeed had a keen interest in wrestling, having both attended and participated in past wrestling events. His reminders of the matches extended so far as to include the recent wrestling match Nelson attended where the tragic murder of Serenity had occurred.

"I'm sure you heard about what happened to Serenity at the wrestling match - the same one you were present at?" Winston asked. 

"Yes. Terrible thing, what happened. She was a great talent," Nelson replied with an almost convincing sadness, leaving Winston to consider the motives of a man who could potentially gain from her demise.

Winston thanked him for his time and, as he walked away, he glanced one last time at the chainsaw and Nelson’s paintings. The next stage of the investigation beckoned him, yet he couldn’t shake off the details of this encounter just yet.

choices

• Terrance
• Nelson